Blue Smoke116 E. 27th St., New York City www.bluesmoke.com
“Enjoy jazz and mouthwatering barbecue under one roof. They have nut- and gluten-free menus, which include fantastic salt and pepper ribs.”–Sloane Miller, www.allergicgirl.com

Lebanese Taverna10 locations in the Washington, D.C. areawww.lebanesetaverna.com
“Since completing NFCA’s GREAT Kitchens training, their menu has become rich with gluten-free offerings and they have gained popularity with the D.C. food allergy community.”–Alice Bast, www.celiaccentral.org

Weber Grill Restaurant3 Chicago area locations, 1 in Indianapoliswww.webergrillrestaurant.com
“The restaurants have a fun atmosphere where Weber grills are used as the cooking medium. Their gluten-free menu is carefully thought through, with delicious burgers, ribs and brisket.”–Michael De Cicco-Butz, www.glutenfreemike.com

]]>http://allergicliving.com/2013/06/12/secret-haunts-hidden-gems-of-allergy-awareness/feed/0‘Oh Waiter…’ An Allergic Child Learns to Dine Outhttp://allergicliving.com/2012/03/20/oh-waiter-an-allergic-child-dines-out/
http://allergicliving.com/2012/03/20/oh-waiter-an-allergic-child-dines-out/#commentsTue, 20 Mar 2012 14:26:45 +0000http://allergicliving.com/?p=12892There I was again, reeling off the list of foods which my son, Julian, had to avoid because of his allergies to peanuts, nuts, shellfish, chick peas, split peas and soy. He was 6 years old at the time and we were dining at a restaurant, one of many during a week-long vacation in Florida. As the waiter strode back and forth to the kitchen, double-checking ingredients, Julian’s disappointment rose as his menu choices were ruled out. Fed up with this scene, I struggled to maintain composure.

My “oh woe is me” voice kicked in: “What a pain this is to deal with. Why does he have so many food allergies? And, why am I always the one asking about his food?” It was the last question that really hit home. I realized that, similar to reading ingredient labels, Julian had to learn how to ask questions himself about restaurant meals.

Kids learn best when you involve them, so my husband and I encouraged Julian to ask basic questions – “Are there peanuts in this?” We graduated to the more complicated questions as he matured: “Do you use the same grill to cook shellfish and steak?” “Do you make the French fries in the same fryer used for foods such as deep-fried shrimp?”’

We found that by taking precautionary steps, we could go to restaurants together safely. Following are the main points we found helpful when dining out with a food-allergic child:

Plan ahead. When possible, call the restaurant at a time that is convenient to speak to the chef or manager. They can point you to the safe meals on the menu. (Stick with simple items with fewer ingredients and fewer coatings, sauces and dips.) Try to dine at off-peak hours as staff will have more time (and patience) to check on menu items. The highlight of the meal – the dessert tray – will be off-limits for most food-allergic children. So to avoid disappointment, let your child take a special dessert or treat to the restaurant so he feels included.

Teach your child what to watch for. Many large restaurants have websites that allow you to review the menu in advance with your child. Scan the menu looking for items that may have hidden ingredients or increase the risk for cross-contamination.

Rather than tell him, ask your child: “What would you ask the waiter?”

Mind your words. Parents, worried that food-service staff don’t understand the severity of their child’s food allergy, sometimes resort to scare tactics. “This could kill him” might get their attention, but is not a helpful message for your child and does not make staff feel empowered. Ask to speak with a manager or the chef if your waiter seems uneducated about food allergies. And, remember, while most restaurants will try their best to accommodate special meal requirements, they cannot provide a guarantee. So don’t ask for one.

Be prepared for an emergency. Make sure that your child has his epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or Twinject) with him when dining out. Accidents are never planned and you want to be prepared for an emergency. If you don’t have an auto-injector with you, don’t eat out.

Trust your instincts. There were times when we left a restaurant as we were not confident a safe meal could be provided. Julian learned that it was better to be safe than sorry and find another restaurant that could accommodate him.

Say thank you, tip well, and tell the boss. If you’re pleased with the service, have your child thank the staff personally. Julian’s standard “thanks for keeping me safe” when he was little always brought a smile to their faces. An unusually large tip for outstanding service didn’t hurt either. In several cases, we spoke with the restaurant manager to express appreciation for the efforts of the staff who took Julian’s allergies seriously.

Looking back now, I’m glad that we made Julian part of the process as he has eaten out often with other families and friends without us. I was surprised to learn that two years ago (when he was 14), he had gone to an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet at the invitation of school friends. Julian reassured me that he just had a Coke, that he didn’t eat. While this would not have been my restaurant of choice, I was pleased that Julian felt confident about his ability to fend for himself and comfortable in an environment where allergens were around him.

But even more than that, I admired his attitude. Rather than focus on what he could not have this one time (the food), he chose to enjoy a special moment with friends.

]]>http://allergicliving.com/2012/03/20/oh-waiter-an-allergic-child-dines-out/feed/0Allergy-Friendly Restaurantshttp://allergicliving.com/2011/03/24/allergy-friendly-restaurants/
http://allergicliving.com/2011/03/24/allergy-friendly-restaurants/#commentsThu, 24 Mar 2011 20:04:06 +0000http://allergicliving.com/?p=10255A more recent version of this article is available. Click here to be redirected.

Eating out with food allergies or celiac disease isn’t always easy. It takes careful planning, flexible restaurant staff and good practices in the kitchen – a combination that doesn’t always come together. However, some restaurants are more than willing to accommodate those with special dietary needs. We highlight some of our favorites below.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (U.S.): This restaurant chain is a leader in catering to the diner with celiac disease and food allergies.

P.F. Chang’s chef Jim McCurley

One of the many steps it takes to ensure a safe dining experience is an ordering system called The Matrix. “Anytime a guest with a food allergy requests a menu item, a manager will print a special menu with all menu items that guest can order that fit their specific allergy profile,” explains P.F. Chang’s chef Jim McCurley. “P.F. Chang’s has created a program that filters our menu and provides [allergic] guests with several options for a meal.” To address the issue of cross-contamination, only freshly cleaned pans and utensils are used for “allergy” orders.

McCurley advises allergic guests visiting one of his restaurants to make it “perfectly clear” that they have a dietary restriction. “Ultimately, it is the guests’ responsibility to inform the server and management of their particular allergy,” he says. His chain takes such accommodations in stride: “We value all of our guests, regardless of their specific allergy needs, so our ultimate goal is to try to provide them with as ‘normal’ a dining experience as any other of our guests.” www.pfchangs.com

Moxie’s Classic Grill (Canada): Moxie’s allergen protocols were created years ago, since the company founder has children with severe allergies. Moxie’s says: “Your best defense is communication. If at any time anyone makes you feel like they are not listening or taking your concerns seriously – ask to speak to a manager.” www.moxies.ca

Pizza Pizza (Canada): This chain’s best tip: “Customers should look out for whether or not a restaurant willingly discloses their guidelines and information about the ingredients they used. Based on the way the restaurant answers, the patron can find out a lot about whether the person serving them knows what they are talking about and is aware of procedures.” We agree – transparency is key! Note: Pizza Pizza does not “guarantee” a 100 percent peanut-free kitchen. www.pizzapizza.ca

Uno Chicago Grill (U.S.): Famed for its deep dish pizza, the chain has nutrition information kiosks located in most of its restaurant lobbies that list the top allergens for every menu item. Guests can also view the entire breakdown of ingredients for any menu item on the www.unos.com website. A great before-you-go option. Note: Uno does not “guarantee” a 100 percent peanut-free kitchen. www.unos.com

Boston Pizza (Canada)
Cooks and servers at this family pizza joint and sports bar consult a manual that explains food allergies, symptoms of allergic reactions, hidden ingredients and common allergens. The chain also demands detailed information from its suppliers about any allergens their food products may contain. Staff have access to charts that show menu items and list whether any of eight common allergens and three potential irritants are in dishes. www.bostonpizza.com

Outback Steakhouse (U.S.)
This Aussie-inspired restaurant’s website has a list of allergy dos and don’ts that indicate which menu items to avoid if you have milk or nut allergies. The guide also lists dishes that can be made safe by asking, for example, that the food be fried in a separate pan without butter, or that a salad be prepared without nuts. There are no peanuts or peanut oil in the restaurant, but there is a peanut sauce and peanut butter on the premise. Newest is their gluten-free menu which operates in the same way as the guide for those with allergies, suggesting substitutions or items to avoid. www.outbacksteakhouse.com

Chili’s (U.S)
It’s not just sizzle and spice at this family restaurant. There are plenty of menu options for those with allergies, and they’re all listed on its website. The restaurant breaks them down by eight common food allergens, and updates the lists monthly to keep up with any changes from food suppliers. The company does point out that cross-contamination in the kitchen is possible. Allergic customers are advised to avoid fried foods, and inform their server of any allergies before placing an order. www.chilis.com

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar (Canada)
When visiting any of The Keg restaurants across Canada, ask for an “Allergy Aware” booklet. It lists the eatery’s more popular menu items, and points out the dishes that contain any of 10 common allergens. The restaurant suggests you tell your server about allergies off the bat so the cooks can take precautions. Kitchen staff will clean the grill and change cooking methods to prevent cross-contamination. www.kegsteakhouse.com

Red Robin (U.S)
Allergic diners at this burger palace will be referred to a manager who will help them to choose a meal. The manager will inform the kitchen staff, who will in turn use different utensils to prevent cross-contamination. Red Robin recently began offering diners information in the restaurant and on their website about which meals contain any of eight major food allergens. Staff also get allergy awareness training. www.redrobin.com

Milestones Grill & Bar (Canada)
As the title suggests, this restaurant is the place to celebrate all your special occasions in a warm and cozy atmosphere. Allergic diners are invited to review the restaurant’s online allergy chart, which is updated often, as well as to advise their server about their allergies upon arrival. www.milestonesrestaurants.com

Panago Pizza (Canada) The folks at Panago Pizza pride themselves on offering pizzas made from fresh and natural ingredients: no MSG, no artificial flavors and no artificial colors. “We’re all about authentic, chef-inspired cuisine that goes back to the simple basics of what food was meant to be,” they say on their website. Guests can find an allergy chart on the restaurant’s website. www.panago.com

Carrabba’s Italian Grill (U.S.) This Italian restaurant is ready to address different dietary needs. Its core wine list is gluten-free and it has a gluten-free menu with omissions and substitution ideas to tailor-make a specific dish in order to make it safe. People with allergies are invited to contact the restaurant about their specific needs, which can be done through the contact section of the website. www.carrabbas.com

LongHorn Steakhouse (U.S.) This steakhouse has a general awareness of special dietary needs. It also has a gluten-free menu but reminds guests with celiac disease to request that separate cooking tools be used for their food since the kitchen itself is not gluten-free. www.longhornsteakhouse.com

Qdoba (U.S.) This Mexican restaurant puts an emphasis on fresh food, healthy eating and customizing their dishes for those with special dietary needs. So it’s not surprising to find that it has an allergen chart available online for wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and soy. What’s even better is that the chart is color-coded to indicate which dishes actually contain those allergens as well as which may have come into contact (such as the brownies, which don’t contain nuts but may have been contaminated by them). www.qdoba.com